Kingsford woman sent to prison for attempted manufacture of meth charge

IRON MOUNTAIN – A Kingsford woman was sentenced to a prison term for attempted operating/maintaining a meth lab and being a habitual offender, second offense.

Lori Juneau, 42, was sentenced to a minimum of 20 months to a maximum of seven years, six months in prison.

Defense attorney Mike Scholke of Iron Mountain said Juneau has had her life run by drugs and takes responsibility for her actions.

“This is a demon that controlled her life,” he said. “She has the motivation to turn her life around and wants to change.”

Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards said Juneau allowed other individuals to produce meth in her home for one month.

“To her credit, she has been candid about her drug use,” Richards said.

Richards added that Juneau reported she was hooked on meth after trying it for the first time in December 2012. And by mid-January, she was a full-blown addict.

“She has suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Richards said. “She does appear remorseful. In light of it all, a mid range sentence of 18 to 90 months is appropriate.”

At her sentencing, Juneau said she takes total accountability to the lives affected by her drug addiction. She said meth is by far the most addictive, destructive drug.

“I have never been so disgusted with myself. I started taking a real hard look at my life,” she said. “I have never been this serious about changing my life, and I want to be a grandmother to my grandchild.”

Juneau added she would like to be considered for court-ordered rehabilitation.

‘We have a serious problem. When you abuse and manufacture drugs in a home, you’re affecting the entire community,” Judge Barglind said. “There isn’t a controlled substance that even compares to this hazardous, explosive substance.”

She said her biggest concern is what Juneau subjected the community to by allowing this hazardous substance to be manufactured in her home.

“It is like making a bomb and distributing it,” Judge Barglind said. “I can’t imagine what it was like to use, the first time takes a hold of you. I think you will get better and live a productive life, and I am hopeful for a successful rehabilitation.”

Judge Barglind sentenced Juneau to the Michigan Department of Corrections for a minimum of 20 months to a maximum of seven years six months with credit for days served.

Co-defendant Kristy Patrick withdrew her plea to one count of operating and maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine, a 20-year felony.

Judge Barglind set a pre-trial conference for Aug. 19 at 1 p.m.

Patrick, who is being represented by attorney Dan Jaspen of Iron Mountain, had her bond continued.

Other sentencings forthcoming for operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine:

– Erica Hommel, 32, of Niagara, Wis. will be sentenced on Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. for operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine to be reduced to attempted operating/maintaining a laboratory involving methamphetamine.

According to the felony complaint, on April 8, Lessor’s father gave police permission to search his residence, which resulted in the discovery of various known components used to manufacture meth. Police also found a bag containing copper tubing, later discovered to be stolen.

– Chad Lessor, 37, of Kingsford, will be sentenced on Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. for delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and breaking and entering a building with intent as well as habitual offender, second offense notice.

Court records note Lessor admitted he and a co-defendant stole the copper tubing form 505 Vulcan St. He also admitted he is heavily involved in manufacturing methamphetamine and has been for about three years.

For the drug charges, the felony complaint states multiple witnesses advised police that between January and February they observed Lessor manufacturing methamphetamine on multiple occasions at 522 E. A St.

During an interview, Lessor acknowledged that he’s been making methamphetamine at various locations within Dickinson County, including the A Street residence.